Piedmont Council Approves Tax Holiday, Honors Police Chief
Piedmont-The Piedmont City Council handled a busy agenda Tuesday, approving participation in the state’s Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday and updating signatures for a wastewater grant. The council also agreed to join a statewide lawsuit concerning simplified sales tax collections at the request of county officials.
Members approved $73,627 in monthly bills, including insurance payments that the mayor said he plans to review with the provider.
Police Chief Nathan Johnson reported 27 arrests, 267 calls for service, and $8,395 in municipal court collections for October. The department’s ADECA traffic-safety grant was recently doubled to $5,000 per month. Johnson was later surprised with the J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Gold Medal from the American Police Hall of Fame, recognizing his service and department improvements.
The Fire Department answered 84 calls last month and renewed its annual $13,501 radio-system contract. The department has also been approved for federal funding toward a new emergency vehicle, pending final paperwork.
The library reported 933 items circulated and 13 programs in October. Community volunteers announced holiday events, including Christmas parade participation and the return of the New Year’s Eve Squirrel Drop.
